Where to eat, stay and shop in Kiama

Sally Scott Sally Scott
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The NSW South Coast town of Kiama might be most famous for its natural attractions, but these days there’s a whole lot more for day trippers and weekenders to love beyond the blowholes.

Blessed with a picturesque harbour, glittering coastline and bucolic country setting, there’s more to NSW’s South Coast seaside town Kiama than its famous blowhole – the largest in the world.

 

A resurgence of charming cafes, gorgeous homeware stores and luxury lodgings has transformed this NSW coastal getaway to a sea change destination worth revisiting.

Eat

Wild Patch Cafe

Wild Patch Cafe serves Byron Bay coffee to kick start your day alongside a menu of paleo and healthy eats with plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Order the Field of Greens – seasonal greens, seeds, kraut, sautéed Huskisson mushrooms and avocado served with local pastured poached eggs to feel well nourished.

 

Address:  14 Manning St, Kiama

Silica

Newcomer Silica burst onto the dining scene in mid-2018, filling a void of quality upscale restaurants in Kiama and offering honest food to a backdrop of glistening ocean views. Silica’s menu is based around locally sourced, sustainable and homegrown ingredients via its very own organic vegetable patch at Dapto Community Farm.

 

Whether it’s bar bites, takeaway fish and chips or the impressive à la carte menu, there’s something for everyone at Silica.

 

Address: 72 Manning St, Kiama

Silica hosts locally sourced, sustainable and homegrown ingredients

Parfait Patisserie

Baker/pastry chef Troy Hindmarch and his wife Sam made the sea change to Kiama from the Southern Highlands to open French cafe Parfait Patisserie also in mid -2018. Award-winning pastry chef Troy starts his day around midnight, baking all the breads, pastries and sweet treats onsite from scratch.

 

The results are mini works of art, and from the classic fresh fruit tarts to the more modern matcha and Nutella tarts, you’ll be coming back for more.

 

Address: 38-40 Manning St, Kiama

Almond croissants

The Little Earth Café

The Little Earth Café is an out-of-town surprise near the Little Blowhole. With a focus on sustainability, local Swell coffee is served in stylish sustainable cups and saucers made from coffee husks which would otherwise be a wasted byproduct of coffee production.

 

The organic cafe and general store serves wholesome dishes like waffle toasties packed with grilled haloumi from local micro-dairy The Pines , honey, harissa, tomato and rocket.

 

Address: 10 Tingira Cres, Kiama

Behold: the haloumi toastie

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Flour Water Salt

Some local favourites still prevail in Kiama like Flour Water Salt a bakery, cafe and food store just off the main drag on Shoalhaven Street, known for its organic handcrafted artisan sourdough. The tiny store is packed with produce and the treats cabinet of pastries and cakes is mighty tempting.

 

Address: 49 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

Little Blowhole Art Bar

Ex-Sydney couple Jamie Cole and Bruce Ferguson opened their colourful tapas and cocktail bar in a quiet corner of Kiama’s coastal suburbia, bringing a new level of sophistication to the sleepy seaside town. Little Blowhole Art Bar is a boutique gallery and eatery featuring monthly exhibitions, regular events and local musicians every Sunday afternoon.

 

Address:  Shop 6/4 Tingira Cres, Kiama

Stay

Terragong 1858

There are some superb unique accommodation options in the Kiama region including Terragong 1858 , a hidden gem in the village of Jamberoo.

 

This exquisite B&B hosted by interior designer Darryl Gordon and his partner Simon Milner is warm and welcoming as well as impeccably styled. You won’t want to leave the book-lined drawing room where guests can enjoy complimentary afternoon wine and nibbles daily at 4.30pm.

 

Address: 467 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo

Dovecote

For larger groups, check out one of our unique family accommodation entries on the 100 Unique Stays Across Australia Dovecote. A favourite for celebrities like Russel Crowe the two luxury holiday houses are set on a working farm a short drive from Kiama, where guests will share the property with a herd of dairy cows. The Headland is a four bedroom architect-designed residence with an expansive living wing to entertain friends and family.

 

While The Range is a spectacular two-bedroom retreat ideal for small gatherings and boasting a plunge pool overlooking Werri Beach.

 

Address: 27 Princes Hwy, Gerringong

Inside the Dovecote luxury holiday house
Sleek interiors

Soul of Gerrigong

Nearby Soul of Gerringong offers a coastal cool collection of self-contained spaces allowing large groups to stay together with the privacy of their own en-suite room, blurring the lines between boutique hotel and holiday home.

 

Address:  143 Belinda St, Gerringong

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Shop

Bouquiniste

Seek out independent bookstore/cosy cafe Bouquiniste in the little arcade off Terralong Street. This hidden gem stocks a curated collection of the latest books and serves up impressive Brewtown coffee in a super-cute setting with shelves lined with books, a cool feature wall and a leather banquette; it’s the perfect place to while away the afternoon.

 

Come Friday evening, the store transforms into a wine bar with cheese platters and quality drops from local Two Figs Winery to help ease you into the weekend. How civilised!

 

Address: Centrepoint, Shop 1, Kiama, 106 Terralong St, Kiama

Beachside Emporium

Owner Kathryn O’Brien made the sea change from Sydney to the South Coast and brings the coastal vibes to her beautiful art and design store Beachside Emporium . The high street store focuses on local designers and Australian-made products and proudly promotes local emerging and established artists.

 

Address: Shop 15/106 Terralong St, Kiama

The Inside Story

For more retail therapy by the sea, check out The Inside Story , this boutique offers a curated collection of clothing and homewares based on its interior designer owner Kathleen Bowen’s love of travel, providing a globally-inspired selection including Mela Purdie and Rue Stiic.

 

Address: Shop 11/106 Terralong St, Kiama

Deer Willow

For some boho style, check out Deer Willow , a lifestyle store with a treasure trove of global homewares, fashion and accessories. Set over two floors, the coastal chic collection of items ranges from natural braided raffia sandals from Spain to antique Turkish copper trays and everything in between.

 

Address: 12 Manning St, Kiama

Wildflower Studio

It’s also worth checking out Wildflower Studio across the road from Surf Beach, a cute little flower shop with some beautiful gifts including Bohemian Rose ‘Kiama’ candles so you can take that holiday fragrance home with you.

 

Address: 2/89 Manning St, Kiama

 

Planning a trip to the South Coast? Read our comprehensive guide to everything you need to know for the ultimate South Coast NSW weekend away.

Sally Scott
Sally Scott is a seasoned travel writer based on Bundjalung County (Northern Rivers) who knows a thing or two about luxe holidays. Whether it's road tripping regional Australia or jetting off on an overseas sojourn, Sally seeks out unique experiences to find the most fabulous places to eat, sip and stay to share with readers.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .